Sermon Tone Analysis

The Discourse Continues

A section of scripture that leaves lots of room for understanding, does not leave much to figure out, this has to do with judgment and being prepared.

Previously we have looked at:

Foretelling of destruction of Jerusalem (Mk13:1-3)

The Disciples questions regarding timing and signs (Mk13:4)

Jesus warning signs to look out for (Mk13:5-8)

Jesus warning what to do when it happens (Mk13:9-12; 14-23)

Jesus instructions to the end, of that time (Mk13:13)

When looking at the passage I came from the position that this was prophesy that has been fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70.

The other view mentioned is an inner-mix of Destruction of Jerusalem and Return of Christ for His church, commonly known as 2nd coming.

In those days (after tribulation)

While this passage is considered by many to be regarding the 2nd coming there are still other considerations in looking at the context.

Mk13:

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

In looking at this it is an easy assumption that this is the return of Christ.

But there is still some troubling wording in the passage so lets look at together, and discuss this some.

What is the timing of this section?

In the days after the tribulation

When is the tribulation?

Is there tribulation being described in this chapter?

Does it have any time markers?

It was going to be in the lifespan of James, John and Andrew (Mk13:3)

Tribulation definition according to Merriam-Webster is a time of distress or suffering resulting from opposition, oppression or persecution.

Tribulation would that not be when the see the armies surrounding (Lk21:20)

Abomination of desolation happens (Mk13:14)

What is going to happen (vv.24-25; also look at Isa13:10; Isa34:4; Joel2:10)?

Sun darken, moon give no light, stars fall, powers in heaven shaken

Would is surprise you that cosmic events like this are found in other places in the bible?

So this does not necessarily mean the return of Christ.

check out (Isa13:10; Isa34:4 and Joel2:10)

In general, the O.T. texts use this language in a metaphorical sense for events that happen in history.

So how do we take Jesus words here?

Metaphorical or literal?

What is going to happen (vv.26-27; see Dan7:13-14; Mt13:37-43)?

See the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory

This is another picture like painted by Daniel in (Dan7:13-14) - the Son of Man coming in the clouds and presented before the Ancient of Days and He receives his Eternal kingdom.

Send forth His angels to gather His elect; may we look briefly at a passage this shows this.

Now, again, this looks like this is discussing Christ coming for His church, that is an easy assumption, except look at (v.24) again

This event seems to be happening right after the tribulation that is described in Mk13:2-23.

This “coming” seems to be a day of the Lord event that transpires just after the tribulation the seige put on Jerusalem and the judgment that was being delved out at the hand of Titus (God’s instrument).

This coming, seems also to be reminiscent of other comings, judgments of other nations:

Babylon (Isa13:1, Isa13:6-13); Egypt (Isa19:1-2)

Tyre (Isa23:1; Isa24:21-23); Edom (Isa34:4-6)

And there are more, Nineveh; Israel and even Judah

The Prophets foretold things using figurative language for all the world, when it was really only directed for countries (local).

So, they were painting a picture of destruction that would be world wide one day, just as Jesus is here.

So, again, may we consider that this is not Christ returning for the Church, but it is a day of the Lord event against Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.

Gathering the elect is the warning told to get out, and he will protect those who get out, who obey his warning when they see the signs.

Remember this is an escapable judgment.

This now leads us to the next portion of our passage to consider today.

When you see these things

When you see these things, may we look at this passage and be sure to try to stay in context of the chapter.

What do you see, What do you notice, What sticks out to you?

Now, let’s break it down, do it together

What do you learn from this parable, what is the teaching (v.28)?

Maybe we should look back and see what would prompt Jesus to insert a parable (teaching) here, look back at the question in (Mk13:4).

Is Jesus answering the question from them?

The what and the when?

What is the instruction (v.29)?

Know the He is right at the door, when you see these things happening.

This reminds me of another passage (here is a freebee for you today.)

Judgment ready to be delved out.

What is the promise (v.30-31)?

What is the promise (v.30-31)?

This generation will not pass away

In keeping in context, if Jesus is answering the question; He is telling them that it will happen in their lifetime, not some unknown date in distant future

If this was the return of Christ for the Church then Jesus was wrong and He is a liar and cannot be trusted, so I don’t think there is anyway this can have to do with the return of Christ for His Church.

Heaven and earth will, but My Word will not

Heaven and earth as they know it will pass away, for there is a new way that is coming upon Jesus, death, burial, resurrection, and in AD70 when this judgment is delved out and the world as they know it (spiritually) ends and His Word holds true for He is the Way the Truth and the Life!

So “all these things” (v.30) should be kept in context with “these things” (v.29)

where I think you may come to believe that the Christ coming for the Church is not what is in view here, for that would invalidate “this generation (v.30).”

Since I am going from the assumption that all these things are regarding the escapable judgment that was coming against Jerusalem and the temple, answering the question of the apostles.

Then that means, everything that needed to be done prior to the return of Christ for the Church has been accomplished (or when written would within that generation would be).

The 2nd coming (return of Christ for the Church) is coming, now may we go and look at the last part of our passage this morning.

Take heed, be on the alert!

In nothing short of “hey look out” Jesus is getting the apostles attention to an important issue, a warning, an exhortation to them to be ready and to be on the alert.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Some questions to pull from the passage then let’s discuss

What is the warning in (v.32)?

No one knows the day or hour

What is the instruction (v.33; see also Act17:30)?

Take heed, be on the alert for you don’t know when the time will come

Note that it says “appointed time” ; familiar to what we see in Act17:30

What is the illustration (v.34; see also Mt25:14-30)?

speaks of a parable of a man going on a journey (an abbreviated version of maybe Mt25:14-30; parable of talents)

So, stay on the alert

What is the admonition (v.35-36)?

Be on the alert, don’t be asleep since you don’t know when the Master is going to come.

Who is this intended for (v.37)?

not just the Apostles but for everyone, so now this is bigger than the AD70 event which is a local, escapable judgment.

I think we can see how (Mk13:5-23) were to take place during the current generation it was spoken to, this passage has an unknown date, time element to it.

After the things noted in (vv.5-23) were to happen (AD70) then it would be clear to the Apostles that the end, the coming of Christ was next.

They were told they would not know the hour or day, but they needed to be ready!

Now, there is much about the Olivet Discourse that alludes to the Lord’s coming for the church (aka 2nd coming) at the Last day but

No different than prophesies offered by the prophets regarding judgment before.

This type of language, figurative is seen throughout the bible and should not be assumed as literal because of the wording.

While there can be some speculation in the discourse we can know that the day of the Lord coming for His church, the day of the Lord, day of Judgment is coming and look at it maybe as Peter states (2Pt3:10-14).

2pt